Today's Edition
BATOOL GHAITH (ABU DHABI)
Combining traditional farming with cutting-edge technology, Madiya Farm is paving the way for a new generation of smart, sustainable agriculture in the UAE.
Mohamed Albreiki, CEO of Madiya Farm Agricultural Enterprises Investment Institution, said that the company's mission is not only to boost productivity but also to make farming more accessible to people with little or no prior experience.
"Madiya Farm is a mix of technologies and traditional farming methods. Our vision is to spread farming experiences to others, even to those who have no experience, so that everyone can contribute to the idea of food security in the country," Albreiki told Aletihad during the Global Food Week in Abu Dhabi.
Albreiki explained that, although the Emirati company was officially launched in August this year, that the team has been experimenting and learning since 2019.
The company started with meat production and animal farming and then moved to crop farming. "We began by studying the environment and our land before developing our technologies," he said.
Today, Madiya Farm operates 18 greenhouses and works with 10 customers, producing crops such as capsicum and tomatoes using their own technology, according to the CEO.
Albreiki noted that one of the main challenges of traditional farming is the lack of control over water and soil use.
"In conventional farming, the water and soil health are not calculated properly. With our technology, we were able to study the land, monitor the soil, and make farming more eco-friendly. We rely mainly on well water, so saving water is very important for us," he said.
Describing the technology behind their success, Albreiki said the farm uses artificial intelligence (AI) to improve efficiency.
"We use AI closed modules, where we teach the system what to do, what range to monitor, and what data to focus on. The goal is to minimise human error," Albreiki said.
For customers with no farming experience, Madiya Farm developed a calculator tool. Farmers can input the dimensions of their greenhouse, the type of crop, the forecasted weather, humidity, and electricity use, and the system provides expected costs, water needs, and profit margins. "It is a full simulation before they even start planting," he added.
The farm's AI technology also analyses soil and environmental conditions to determine the most suitable crops for each area.
Albreiki emphasised that agritech plays a crucial role in addressing the UAE's harsh environmental conditions.
"By combining data, AI, and local expertise, we can overcome heat stress, water scarcity, and soil salinity, all of which are major challenges for farmers in the UAE," he noted.
Looking ahead, Albreiki said the UAE's agritech sector is growing rapidly. "There is so much innovation and knowledge. In a few years, the UAE will be leading in agritech, as we are already on the right path."
